Nicely Says...

We have to understand the situation of other people before we judge them. Most often than not, we're blinded by the things we just want to believe. What we don't see is how they're keeping themselves calm and intact amidst atrocities in life.

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Happy Birthday To Me!

I welcomed my birthday with warmth in my heart as Yobs and I waited for the clock to strike 12am. December 7 was so special this year - from dawn to dusk.I had sleep for less than 5 hours after Yobs left the house fresh from our Mt. Pinatubo adventure. I woke up at past 5am to prepare for our trip to Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban, Quezon this time with Dad and Mom. I really included Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center in my to-visit list before the year ends. I am glad I was able to be there on my birthday.

And so my birthday was a family day for the three of us: Dad, Mom and I. I made sure both of them will take their leave from work and spend the whole day with me. I don't consider myself as a spoiled brat, but since it was my day, I should get whatever I want. Without any hesitation, Dad and Mom accepted my invitation.

The trip from GMA, Cavite to Lucban, Quezon took us 4 hours, via Pala-Pala, SLEX, Sta. Cruz & Luisiana (Laguna) Route. We arrived at 11am. My parents were very cooperative as I didn't hear any complaints from them while we were taking the 228-steps staircase up the Shrine. We stopped by at various stations of the cross and statues to pray, make our wishes and take photos. I even discovered that Daddy is afraid of heights. For 28 years, I only learned about it just now. Oh, did I say I am 28? Hahaha!

We also ate Pansit Lucban a.k.a. Pansit Habhab at a nearby restaurant. It was Dad's first time to eat this specialty. Mom also loved it and preferred to eat it with toasted buttered bread. Weird combination but yes, I was salivating...

For lunch, we took another ride from Kamay ni Hesus to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan (New) in Tayabas, Quezon. It was recommended by friend-officemates Adel and Heart. They said the food was great so again, I put it in my where-to-eat list.

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a compound of floating nipa huts with a fresh, quiet and relaxing ambiance. There are also bars on the side but I think they open only at night. The food is mainly Filipino and the crews are indeed accommodating and friendly.

We ordered crispy pata, ginataang suso at pako, sinugno and blue marlin steak. The crispy pata was really crunchy and when dipped in sweet and spicy vinegar, you can almost forget your name. It is Dad's favorite while Mom enjoyed the ginataang suso at pako. Mommy loves to cook anything with gata and so having this for lunch for free was really a treat for her. Sinugno was new to me. I asked the waiter what their specialty is and he gave us sinugno, it was grilled Pla-Pla cooked in coconut milk. I also ordered blue marlin steak with buttered mushroom gravy.

Fresh coconut juice for me and Mom while Dad had pineapple juice, something to fight the effect of crispy pata. Anti-high blood, eh? Hahaha! It was a delightful meal for us three. Then it was time to go home. Another four hours to travel back home. Tired? No.

Dinner was for my bestfriend and her kids. I texted some other friends but they were unavailable, sad because Cindy, Kathrina, Kathy and Zarah were not there. However, it was ok as Bestfriend Abhie was present together with my inaanaks, Nicole and Nico. (Check our table number out!)

After having dinner at Jollibee-GMA, we went back to Abhie's house. Zarah has arrived from her dance practice and Kuya Marlo was there too. The treat? Oishi and Clover chips plus a bottle of 1.5L Coke. They were already happy and satisfied with my little treat. Now that is what you call simple happiness ♥ *wink-wink*

I got home at 11:30PM very thankful to God because I had a really happy birthday today. Small things like this truly make my heart jump; being with family and friends are precious moments for me. I wish I will have more birthdays to come to share with my loved ones.

Again, happy birthday to me!

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My Birthday: So Far, So Good

I can say that this is one of the best birthdays I had. Last Nov. 29, I celebrated with my cousins, Ann and Ging, and nieces, Nicole, Knexy and Kat, at the Manila Zoo and Manila Ocean Park.

Last December 6, I trekked at the famous and historical Mt. Pinatubo with Yobs and newly found travelmates. It was totally fun and the view from the top is really breath-taking! Yobs and I got home at 11:30PM. I welcomed my birthday, 12am, with my BFF and I was really happy. As in, really really happy! Thanks, Yobs!

December 7 was a Family Day. I celebrated my special day with Mommy and Daddy by going to Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon. Together we hiked the Shrine and stopped over at the stations to pray, make our wishes and take photos. There we ate Pansit Lucban (a.k.a. Pansit Habhab), t'was Daddy's first time. And it was also a realization for me that Daddy is afraid of heights. Hahaha! Then we went to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas where we had our lunch. It was indeed a satisfying meal... Sobrang nakakabusog at masarap!

More details of each of my birthday adventures on my next blogs. Coming soon...

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Contest Result, "I Am Nicely! is Giving Away a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace on Her Birthday"

Here is the official list of contestants in my "I Am Nicely! is Giving Away a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace on Her Birthday" contest:

As of Dec. 7, 2009, 11:58PM:

1. Madonna Mendoza
2. Michelle Martinez
3. Rochelle Sy Chua
4. Laiken Cortez
5. Josielyn Jose
6. Ria Tirazona
7. Maureen Flores
8. Janice Espinosa

9. Ellen Joy Castel

And the lucky winner is... (drums rolling)

Congratulations to Ms. Ellen Joy Castel! More power and keep blogging!

~~~~

"Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din..."

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The Majestic Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake on the Day Before my Birthday

Another CHECK on my wishlist: The Majestic Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake. Woot!

Thanks to Dong Ho for inviting me to join his third trek to the volcano.

Yobs and I met at the Victory Liner Terminal at 5:15am together with Dom (a.k.a Dong Ho) and other travelers. We were bound to Dau, Pampanga to get our 4X4 vehicles to drive us up to Mt. Pinatubo. Manila-Dau bus fare is P123.00.

We had our breakfast-orientation at Chowking-Dau. We were introduced to each other and asked why we wanted to go to Mt. Pinatubo and what place we want to visit next. I answered, "I wanted to go to Mt. Pinatubo because it's my birthday tomorrow. Yobs and I should have been to Corregidor but we chose to join the group because we think this is more exciting and challenging." My next target destination? Slide for Life, Davao.

After the introductions, we met up with our 4x4 drivers and rode our way to the Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town in Capas, Tarlac for registration purposes and to pick our tour guides up. Then we headed to the lahar fields, and enjoyed the rough roads, dusty sand, splashes of water, cool breeze and direct sunlight.

We even raced against each other using our three 4x4 vehicles.

Yobs and I, Tamis-tamisan...

This is the canal where lahar passed through during the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption

The four-wheel drive took us 2 hours to get to the jump-off and though there is an easier way, we opted to get down on our feet and trek, only for the sake of trekking.

Jump-off: It's time to walk

Sulfuric Water: Not for Drinking

After 30 minutes of dealing with the sun's heat, which included stopovers for picture-taking, we arrived at the trek proper. As the sign says, "Welcome to Mt. Pinatubo. Your trek starts here." We had the trek for more than 30 minutes, not because we were tired but because we wanted to enjoy each moment of the trek.

Even amateur climbers can do it. It's just a piece of cake!

Dom was right, this is the climb that won't use all your energies just to get to the top yet the view from the summit is very rewarding. For me, I won't get used to being amazed by the majestic scenery of the Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake. It's cyanic water is really enticing I couldn't help but stare in awe.

Yobs: overlooking the cyan-colored water of the crater

A dream come true... This is history.

The full view of the crater (Tarlac side)

I am really happy until now while I am writing this blog post because I have accomplished one of the things I wrote in my wishlist. This is just so perfectly in time for my birthday celebration, which is about to happen in a minute. I won’t forget this trip, especially that I shared it with my BFF. (Ano nga ba yung BFF, Yobs?) Anyways, thanks pa din! Mwah!

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Yellow is My Friday Color

Today at work, I am wearing this yellow sling bag by Liz Claiborne (1983, genuine leather) and this yellow/white flat shoes (synthetic leather) by Parisian, which I bought from a good deal last month.

I got the bag from my suki, Tita Christy, beside St. Jude Parish Church, Malacañang for only P350. It is a vintage model, more likely from an ukay-ukay origin. I bought it because I love the color and the style plus the item is really in a mint condition.

While the pair of shoes was a choice while I was shopping at SM Quiapo. Take note, if you want to buy SM products for reasonable prizes, SM Quiapo is the place to be - it is forever clearance sale there. This costs P299.75 only.

Anyway, though I truly love my Liz Claiborne bag, I am still in doubt if it is authentic. The etiquette says it was made in Korea, with serial number RN 70272 and the tag was like the one seen in the photo below. I just don't know how to determine authenticity.
Can you help me with this, anyone?

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Home-Made Honey and Sugar Facial Scrub

I was asked, "What is my favorite beauty ritual?" and now I am blogging about it.

Honestly, I am not the kind of girl who goes to the salon every week to have my hair, nails, face and skin treated. Due to busy schedules, I almost forget to pamper myself. Good thing is we have an abundant supply of pure honey and sugar at home so I can make instant facial scrub to wash dead cells, blackheads and other impurities away. All you need is a mixture of 1/2 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of sugar to apply on your face. Lather generously in circling motion using your pointer and index fingers, both hands. Spread moderately, not too hard as it may hurt the skin. Wash and remove with fresh, running water. You can also add olive oil or citrus extract in the mixture for better results. Do it once in a week.

And so this is my most favorite beauty ritual. Now you know.

You deserve to be loved. The first step begins in you. Love yourself.

~~~~~
This is an entry to "HBC Annual Sale = Giveaway for YesNoMeh Readers" contest conducted by yesnomeh.com.

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Manila Ocean Park: An Advance Birthday Celebration with Inaanaks

As part of my month-long birthday celebration, I treated my goddaughters to the Manila Ocean Park last November 29, of course with their mothers. After going to the Manila Zoo and having lunch at Jollibee-Harrizon Plaza, we proceeded to the MOP to experience its oceanic adventure.

Here are some photos taken during our stay at the Manila Ocean Park.

A Pool of Starfish

Hanging Ornamental Plants

Giant Spider Crab

Ate Ging and I watching a school of playful and colorful fishes

The MOP Tunnel (Watch out for Stingrays! Love 'em!

Mermaid Show

Patronizers enjoying the Fish Spa (P120 for 20 minutes)

I never had second thought. When I first saw the Fish Spa booth, I hurriedly paid to the cashier and headed to the pool of doctor fish waiting for a yummy afternoon snack: my feet's dead cells. I really enjoyed the fish spa as doctor fish as big as toddler tilapias munched on my feet and legs. If only they can speak, they'll say "Yum-yum!"

You can choose which pool will you use. I chose the bigger doctor fish and this photo shows the smaller ones.

Nicole, Knexy and Katkat

If you are interested to visit the Manila Ocean Park, here is the admissions rate, FYI.

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Manila Zoo: Remembering My Childhood

My first birthday celebration for the year was with my cousins, Ann and Ate Ging and their kids, Nicole, Knexy and Katkat. It was actually my idea to revisit Manila Zoo because I wanted to reminisce our childhood days and share it with the younger generation.

I really love Manila Zoo. I am a nature lover since birth and that includes my love for animals and the environment. Here are some photos of the zoo animals that I really missed a lot.

Ostrich

(In the photo: Mama Ging and Daughter Katkat)

Elephant

(In the photo: Mama Ann and Daughter Nicole)

Zebra and White Horse

Tiger

Monkey

Hippopotamus

Green Snake

Wishing Crocodile

And this is the Manila Zoo Challenge: on the left is a photo of Ann and I taken when we were just starting to learn how to walk, talk and stalk, and we have to make an older version of it. We really had a hard time looking for the same spot and the photo on the right is the nearest possible one. Check it out.

I really had a great time. After our MZ trip, we headed to the Manila Ocean Park for more adventures.

Manila Zoo Rate:

Adult = P40

Kid = P20

For Manila residents:

Adult = P20

Kid = P10

Bring valid id, particularly Voter's ID

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Authentic, Classic, Bluegreen Jansport Backpack from eBay.ph

eBay shopping has been addicting for me these past few months. I have just bought an authentic, classic, bluegreen Jansport backpack for only P950. Thanks to my eBay seller, Dranreb Pagiwan!And I am going to wear this tomorrow as we, my cousins and nieces, are going to visit the Manila Zoo and Manila Ocean Park tomorrow in celebration of Knexy and my birthday on Dec. 2 and 7, respectively. I am just so excited!

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Meet Felicity

Guys, I want you to meet Felicity, the latest addition to my gadget collection and my newest baby. I got it from cousin Janice who is now working in Dubai. She is to have an upgrade of DSLR so she sold it to me for a very reasonable price. I even haggled a little lesser because it is my birthday. It's so kind of her...

Ate Janice calls this Sony Alpha a200 SLR "Happiness" since photography is really her passion. Now that it is mine, I thought of a name which starts with the letter "F" because my first compact dgcam's name starts with the same letter, "Foxy." At first, I thought of "Felize" but preferred to use "Felicity" because it is a synonym of "Happiness." And it is really cute to call her "Felicity,"right?

I am truly happy with it. More photo shoots to come!

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The Canon Photomarathon 2009, Tagaytay City

This is a super delayed post but the memories are still fresh in my mind. Now this is what they call "photographic memory," literally.

Canon Photomarathon 2009 was held last November 14, Saturday, in Tagaytay City. It was my first time to attend such big photo event and being an amateur photographer, I was so excited and nervous at the same time.

The program started at 9am. It was a good thing I live just a town away so I didn't have to travel for hours to be there. After waiting for the bloggers' group led by Dani Salasalan, we proceeded to the registration booths. We were to roam around Tagaytay and look for good shots to fit the event's themes. Here are my sample shots for the three consecutive theme.

Theme 1: "Envy thy eagles for they can fly the open sky; Everything so huge would seem to grow smaller as they recede from the eye; A wider perspective would be a breath-taking experience; Especially if it's captured through our magnificent lenses."
Theme 2: "Filipinos no matter where they go, be likely to leave a mark of his hard work and merit. The challenge is to capture his great effort; impart his message through narrating photos. It can be the fruit or the remarkable deed; for it will surely receive an overwhelming remark on your spirit." Theme 3: "Tagaytay is known to be a city of character qualities. Look up and search for these moral traits. Lay it on a frame and take pleasure in the wonderful practices."All sample photos were taken by Foxy, my Canon Powershot SX110 IS. If you are looking for my official entries, I won't be publishing those three until the management announces the winners. I have read from a co-participant's blog that posting the official entries publicly shall invalidate such.

(This photo: Source)

There were booths for photography magazines, free cleaning of DSLR lenses, sale exhibit, and unlimited supply of Bacchus the Energy Drink, Nescafe Fit, Relax and Lingzhi, and Julie's Bakeshop products all for free. Our lunch was sponsored by Outbox and the dinner was catered, I just didn't get the caterer's name.

It was a tiring yet fun event! One thing I realized while physically and mentally doing the activity was that "Before, I thought I was pretty good in taking photos. Then I learned that I don't have to be content with my shots. That I still have to know more about photography. That I should check great photographers' works for me to be a good clicker, too. That this is not all about "clicks," "flashes," "smiles," and "cameras" only, but also the need to have the heart that can express the message of the scene being taken. That I won't stop here, just like ABCs and 123s, learning how to get excellent photos takes a lot of time and effort.

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Independent Film Screenings of "Iskwaterpangk," "Batad" and "Tribu" at the CCP on November 24

Dear Philippine movie lovers, Indie Films enthusiasts, friends & co-workers,

I am inviting all of you to the cultural film screening of three (3) Cinemalaya films following in the footsteps of the Wi_Fi Body 4, ‘In Focus’ series at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Tuesday, November 24. Featuring:

Iskwaterpangk (2006) 1:00pm
Directed by Khavn De La Cruz
An urban punk rock vibe not to be missed
Cinemanila 2006 Grand Jury Prize Awardee

Batad (2006) 3:00pm
Directed by Benji Garcia
The coming of age of an indigenous Ifugao boy
Cinemalaya Special Jury Prize Awardee

Tribu (2007) 5:00pm
Directed by Jim Libiran
A deadly portrayal of gang life in suburban Manila
Cinemalaya Best Film Awardee

This is in cooperation with the Philippine Indie Filmmaker's Multi-Purpose Cooperative & the CCP Media Arts Division.

TICKETS P150 (per film)
Available before each screening or
RSVP anahatafoundation@yahoo.com.ph

……………………………………………….......

INDIE SINE ROBINSON'S GALLERIA
EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave. Pasig City
…………………………………………………….

This is an initiative supporting the Millennium Campaign for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Proceeds from this event will assist Anahata Foundation's community based projects involved in movement, performance, fashion, media, visual arts & concern for the environment.

http://zenlab.multiply.com/journal/item/10/In_Focus_METROPOLIS
http://zenlab.multiply.com/photos/album/15/In_Focus_Metropols
http://zenlab.multiply.com/photos/album/14/Info_Pamphlet#photo=4

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I ♥ New Moon Because I ♥ Jacob!

I am not a Twilight Saga die-hard fan or a member of Team Edward. Yes, I loved the first movie, Twilight, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, but I did not expect I would love New Moon more. Director Chris Weitz did a great job!Synopsis:

The Twilight Saga: New Moon is a Fantasy, Drama, Romance, Horror, Thriller by Pioneer Films and runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes. This is the second installment of Stephenie Meyer’s phenomenally successful Twilight series. This is where Bella Swans (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of only to find herself in greater peril and where the love triangle with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) intensified.

New Moon is all about Jacob, his transformation as a werewolf and his untiring love for Bella. I admire him for always being there for Bella, ready to help and protect her when Edward is nowhere to be found. I admit, Edward has no appeal to me in this movie. Sorry, Team Edward... I think we are all entitled to our own opinions, right? I am just sharing how I really feel about this movie. But who knows? I might like him again in the next two chapters of the Saga.

Now back to Jacob. As I am saying, New Moon is all about Jacob... and shamelessly, Jacob is all over me. Hahaha! I can't help but salivate upon seeing his masculine and nicely toned body. I am really shocked the first time he appeared in the scene. He has grown into a big man compared to what he looked like in Twilight, still with long hair though. But when he reached the werewolf stage, when he should cut his hair short and always be partly nude, I can't deny the fact that he is truly "yummy," as i coined him to my friends. Plus his character in the story which shows deep and lasting amor for Bella, ready to sacrifice his own happiness just to see his beloved happy and safe, there is no doubt why Jacob has captured the hearts of a lot of girls, including me.

I won't spoil the story by giving more hints. I just let you enjoy the story as you unfold each page on your own. All I can say is that Director Weitz made sure the viewers will watch the third sequel, Breaking Dawn, because of its cliffhanger ending.

It's "thank you" time.

Thanks to Earth Rullan for choosing me as the lucky winner of her "Win Premier Tickets to New Moon Contest" when I voted her team for the Nestle Fitnesse 14 Days to Show Off Your Shape Competition.

The two (2) tickets are courtesy of the Ayala Malls Cinemas and Sureseats.com! Thanks to you, guys, we (Yobs and I) enjoyed the movie very much.

Also, thanks to Fish & Co. for the delicious food during the cocktails!

Fish & Co.'s potato chips, chicken and fish fillets, pasta in white sauce and brownie really tasted great and fulfilling. Thanks thanks!

What's my score for the movie? I give New Moon a 9/10 because I heart Jacob!

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"I Am Nicely! is Giving Away a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace on Her Birthday"

Hi, guys! I would like to invite you to participate in another blog contest that I am holding in celebration of my birthday on December 7. It is so easy to join!

Here's the mechanics:

1. Copy and paste this entire post (including the necklace photo below) in your websites, blogs or facebook notes.

2. Kindly fill in the blank: All I wish for Nicely is _____.

3. The title of your post must exactly be "I Am Nicely! is Giving Away a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace on Her Birthday"

4. To validate your entry, please leave a comment and your entry's link on this post so that I can check and get back to you as soon as possible. Please don't forget to include your full name and e-mail address, too ☺

Deadline for submission of entries will be at 11:59PM of December 6, 2009. The winner will be drawn by an online raffle device and will be announced on my birthday.
The lucky one will then receive a Vintage Stylish Cellphone Mobile Design Watch Necklace, courtesy of my eBay.ph sponsor, Tinatindera. The winner will be informed of his/her winning through e-mail and the item will be sent to his/her preferred mailing address not later than December 14, 2009. The prize is not refundable for cash.

Good luck and thank you for your continued support to I Am Nicely! ♥lots!

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